Did you know that dial gauges on pressure canners should be tested before every canning season? 

Save the dates! 

On Tuesday, May 24th, from 9am-12pm and Thursday, May 26th, from 1pm-4pm, we will be testing pressure canner dial gauges here at N.C. Cooperative Extension - Alamance County Center. Please email Elisa Phillips at elisa_phillips@ncsu.edu or call the office at 336-570-6740 to schedule an appointment during one of these time frames. 

Note that our testing unit can only only test the following brands: Presto, Maid of Honor, National, Magic Seal, Kook-Kwick. To test other brands, please get in touch with your manufacturer for more information on how to do so. 

Again, dial gauge pressure canners need to be checked at the start of each canning season (such as the yellow canner pictured below). If you have a weighted gauge canner (like the silver canner pictured below), you don't need to have it checked. For all kinds of pressure canners, you want to replace the rubber parts (gasket, safety valve) when they appear cracked or are no longer pliable. How often you replace these parts will depend on your frequency of use. Check with your canner's manufacturer to replace parts or head to your local hardware store - some carry canning equipment and might be able to order the part you need!

Additional research-based information on home food preservation may be found through the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Have a safe canning season, everyone!